The captivating storyline of Peacock’s “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” sounds like something out of a novel: Armed thieves force some of the nation’s most infamous mobsters to surrender $1 million in cash and jewels at a covert afterparty following Muhammad Ali’s successful boxing comeback.

Even Will Packer, an executive producer from Atlanta, was astonished to learn about the audacious burglary that truly took place after Ali fought in Atlanta on October 26, 1970.

“I was like, ‘How have I never heard about this heist before? It’s unbelievable,” Packer shared, who also worked on the 2020 iHeart “Fight Night” podcast that inspired the dramatic TV series. “A gang of robbers hit a bunch of gangsters after an Ali fight, causing chaos in Atlanta. To this day, it’s the largest heist in Georgia’s history.”

Peacock’s “Fight Night” takes creative liberties to narrate the events centered around ambitious local figure Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams (played by Kevin Hart). Williams hosts an extravagant party to impress the Black Mafia, including New York’s “Black Godfather” Frank Moten (Samuel L. Jackson) and his New Jersey associate Richard “Cadillac” Wheeler (Terrence Howard).

Here’s what remains astonishingly accurate about “Fight Night” (with the first three episodes now available for streaming).

Muhammad Ali’s Return to Boxing Ignited Passion in Atlanta

Ali (played by Dexter Darden) had been out of boxing for over three years, having refused military induction during the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector. While several states denied him a boxing license, powerful Georgia State Senator Leroy Johnson (RonReaco Lee) successfully advocated for Ali’s return to the ring in Atlanta against heavyweight Jerry Quarry, known as “The Great White Hope.”

The event at Atlanta’s Municipal Auditorium was sold out, attracting international celebrities (including Sidney Poitier, Arthur Ashe, and Diana Ross), politicians, and high-profile gangsters from across the nation.

“The audience was an elite group of Black individuals from diverse backgrounds gathering in what was rapidly becoming a Black city—Atlanta,” described Shaye Ogbonna, creator and executive producer of “Fight Night.” “It was gangsters, wealthy individuals, and celebrities all mingling together.”

In the third round, Ali delivered a punch that opened a gash above Quarry’s eye, resulting in a technical knockout and celebrations throughout Atlanta.

Ali’s return to boxing marked a significant moment for Atlanta, leading to a lasting bond with the city, highlighted by the iconic moment in 1996 when he lit the Olympic Cauldron to inaugurate the games.

“Ali fell in love with Atlanta and visited frequently,” noted Packer. “The iconic instance remains Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic flame.”

The ‘Chicken Man’ Afterparty Turns into a Robbery

Guests were commanded to strip down to their underwear and surrender their cash and jewelry, which police later estimated amounted to over $1 million (equivalent to about $8 million today).

Ogbonna discovered that he grew up near the area where this infamous party occurred, using the actual exterior of the party house for “Fight Night.” Even on his days off from filming, Jackson would show up to observe.

“Sam just walked on set and wanted to experience it all,” Ogbonna shared.

“His spouse hails from the local area, and their wedding took place just around the corner. He was like a chronicler of events. Numerous authentic moments are captured in this tale.”

Williams, known as the “Chicken Man” for the tasty chicken sandwiches he served, was suspected right away of masterminding the theft since it happened at his home during a gathering. Another odd detail was that Williams, in his stripped-down state, was the only attendee wearing long underwear on that brisk October night, implying he was ready for something. He consistently asserted his innocence regarding the robbery up until his death in 2014.

J.D. Hudson had the responsibility of safeguarding Ali and investigating the heist

J.D. Hudson (Don Cheadle), one of Atlanta’s pioneering Black detective lieutenants, had two significant roles during the “Fight Night” event. Initially, he was in charge of Ali’s safety before and during the match, guiding the boxer to the ring and scanning the crowd for any signs of trouble.

Following the robbery, Hudson was assigned the duty of investigating the dramatic $1 million crime.

“J.D. Hudson is a story in himself; he was among the first Black police officers in the South during the ’70s,” remarks Ogbonna. “He’s a complex character, and we get to see policing from a Black perspective, facing the various challenges Hudson encountered.”

The robbers experienced their share of retribution before Hudson and his fellow officers could crack the case.

On May 26, 1971, The New York Times reported that two men found dead in the Bronx had connections to the Atlanta heist.

“We mentioned last autumn that it was only a matter of who would catch up to them first – the police or the victims,” Hudson stated. “It seems the victims got there first.”